Since 2000, Common Ground Co-operative (CGC) has been creating social enterprise and skill building opportunities for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities in Toronto. As an award winning, non-profit service organization we work to promote the social inclusion of persons with developmental disabilities in the community.

Our Client-Partners are supported by job coaches in social enterprises where they work, grow and share revenue as non-share capital partners. Four enterprises that operate as registered businesses provide hospitality and food services training, skill building, experience and inclusion. Each person, no matter what their capability, is encouraged to be independent in decision making and in work. Our day program/social enterprise model of supported employment is recognized as an innovative alternative to the historical sheltered workshop model of employment and uses an income sharing structure that fits within the co-operative framework.

Access to these programs may be available to individuals who have completed our Foundations Job Skills Training Program; a pre-employment program that combines in-class learning paired with work placement in the social enterprises. Graduates receive a Resume with 10 skills transferable to the customer service, hospitality and food services sectors. Advancing toward partnerships in the social enterprises may be offered to persons who have individualized funding and are invited by the partnership.

These programs are available to individuals who are 18 years of age or older and are deemed as eligible entities by Developmental Services Ontario (DSO).

We encourage every individual that we support to seek employment in the competitive marketplace either on their own or through a referral process. The choice is theirs.

Consider becoming a member of our Co-operative
Annual Memberships are $25.00 per person.
Download or view your application here.
CGC MEMBERSHIP FORM

For more information, please contact us.

Read, Minding our own Businesses by Carolyn Lemon
Chapters 1-5   Chapters 6-10    Chapters 11-end